To my ear the Sennheiser MTW4 have better sound quality than the XM5. It's not even close. But sound impressions are subjective, so you should try them out for yourself if you can.
Comparison
Headphones
Sony WF-1000XM5 True Wireless Noise Cancelling Earbuds
Best ANC Earbuds for Commuters
The Sony WF-1000XM5 are Sony's flagship true wireless earbuds, built around the strongest active noise cancellation in the TWS category and LDAC hi-res audio support for Android users. They're available on Amazon.ca (ASIN B0C33XXS56) at around $299 CAD.
11 mentions · 6 threadslast mention Sep 20255.5/ 10
ClearPick Score
Buyer Beware
Score informed by 11 owner mentions across 6 Reddit threads · see every quote ↓
4 positive1 mixed6 negative
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Best ANC Earbuds for Commuters
Sony WF-1000XM5 True Wireless Noise Cancelling Earbuds
~$299 CAD est. on Amazon.ca
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✅ Prime eligible (most orders)
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Every mention, sourced
Real comments from Reddit, linked to the original thread. Nothing paraphrased.
I have both, and there's no comparison. The Sennheiser is better in almost every way, especially in the sound quality department. Even the ANC works better imo.
Comparison
I found the two of them comparable in sound quality, both offer sound personalization through the apps to fine tune the sound. Sony had better ANC even after using comply foam tips with the Sennheisers. The Sony also fit me better and was more comfortable due to the small size. LDAC support also further swung me towards the WF-1000xm5. The Sony also have a smaller case if that matters to you.
Comparison
Sony has better noise cancelling and a smaller case, and it's a bit comfier. I prefer it for travel. The Sennheiser has way better sound quality and battery life. I prefer it most of the time.
Comparison
Best ANC....for me Bose QC Ultra, followed by Senn MTW4 , Elite 10, others say Sony XM5 but mine were useless. Technics AZ80 were useless for me too.
Complaint
They sound pretty good. Not as good as the XM5s, but pretty good.
Comparison
Wearing them now! Just put some AZLA SednaEarfit Crystal Standard tips on them and they sounding even better. ONLY gripe is the max volume on my iPhone
Praise
I love my XM5s. My only gripe with them is that they don't fit my ears very well and the third party ear tips kinda suck.
Praise
Xm5 - Proven sound but xm4 sounds way better to me
Comparison
At the end I still think it comes to everyone's own preference just like how you think xm4 is good compare to mtw3 but imo i think mtw3 sounds better compare to xm4 and 5 after listening to the sound sample.
Comparison
I've tried all 3 and several others in that rough price range (including the buds 3 pro), the Technics are the best of the bunch aside from the b3p.
Comparison
✅ What Works
- LDAC support and app-based sound personalization praised by multiple owners
- Smaller, more comfortable case and fit than several competitors
- Strong ANC for a subset of owners, especially versus larger-fit rivals
⚠️ Worth Knowing
- Sound quality is the most-mentioned complaint — several owners prefer Sennheiser MTW4 outright
- ANC inconsistent across owners, with some calling it "useless" versus Bose or Sennheiser
- Third-party ear tip fit issues reported by at least one owner
- Maximum volume on iPhone flagged as a limitation by one owner
ClearPick Verdict
Owner reports on the Sony WF-1000XM5 lean negative, with sound quality the most-mentioned theme (5 of 11 mentions) — several owners directly compare it to the Sennheiser Momentum True Wireless 4 and say the Sennheiser "sounds better... not even close." ANC also draws mixed reactions: some call it best-in-class, but others found it "useless" compared to Bose or Sennheiser alternatives. On the positive side, owners praise LDAC support, sound personalization, and a smaller, more comfortable case than rivals. This is a solid pick if compact fit and app-based sound tuning matter most to you; buyers chasing the best raw sound quality or ANC in this price range may be happier with a Sennheiser or Bose alternative.
